I just spent a few hours playing along with some albums, when I was done I realized i had tensed up my neck. I know being loose & relaxed is the way to go when playing any instrument & for the most part I am, but I think it was the long session of playing ( I don’t normally play flute for that long) maybe my neck wasn’t ready for a 2-3 hour marathon or maybe I’m holding tension & not even realizing it.
Has this ever happened to any of you & if so - is it cause I went too long w/o break or could I be holding tension? I doubt the second, but it could be possible.
My concern would be that the tension is in your neck. If you stand when you play, I’d expect some tension in your back. Your hands might also get tired, as well. Tension in the neck to me speaks of improper posture when playing. If you raise your arms too much or use your shoulder to support the flute, that would answer the question. Also, the flute should be more or less horizontal, as opposed to leaning downward. If you sit when playing, I’d expect your posture to decline during the session, so that could also answer. Otherwise, maybe you’re just excited by the music and get tense in your neck!
Sounds like you realize you should have taken breaks but I know it’s difficult sometimes when you’re really getiing into it. The computer can do this too!
I had trouble w/ Carpal Tunnel a couple years ago - computer use at work and guitar - and now my practice sessions are littered w/ breaks and stretching. Taking some time out to move around and stretch a little will go a long way to not letting that tension build up over time.
Good post. I’m curious as to what others will add.
Just read through an interesting book entitled “The Athletic Musician: a guide to playing without pain” by Barbara Paull (Orthopedic physiotherapist) and Christine Harrison (classical violinist). (Scarecrow Press, London, 1997; used copies from $16 on Amazon or your local inter-library loan system might get it).
The premise is that musicians are subject to the same impacts from overuse injuries as athletes and should approach their activities (including recuperation) the way an athlete (with supporting medical/training staff) would. it provides an explanation of how the various cervical and spinal nerves affect muscles, how overuse and/or poor posture can have significant impacts, and offers a series of warm-up, warm-down, stretching and strengthening exercises.
I found it interesting and am going through the exercises to see if it will help relieve the pains in my shoulder from excessive flute practice.